A journey for glory

Dorgen was born as a typical dwarf in a typical dwarven community. His citadel was located deep in the bowels of a nondescript mountain. Ever would the citizens mine ore, forge steel and drink mead. Like all dwarflings, Dorgen was encouraged to scrap with his siblings and the other dwarflings. Unlike the others, he did not only target those of his age, but was eager to scrap with anyone of any age or size. This disregard for equality led to several beatings by dwarves much older and stronger than him. There was method to his madness though, for with every beating came a learning opportunity. It did not take long before he learned how each dwarf in his community fought. It was this knowledge of their tactics that enabled him to begin defeating the stronger and older dwarves. A well timed dodge, a clever riposte - calm and calculated, he begain accumulating victories. By the age of seventeen he was assigned to an elite scouting force and given the most dangerous of tasks - mapping the myriad of tunnels leading into the heart of the mountain. One day he returned to the citadel after a two week trek to find chaos and dissaray. Dwarves were running in every which way, each had in their arms a load of weapons, armor, food or mead. The king had just announced that the citadel was to hold a grand tournament. Participation in this tournament was mandatory. The winner would be recognized as the most able warrior in the entire citadel. Eager to show his battle prowess, Dorgen quickly made his way to the arena in order to register. At the registration table, however, he was refused entry. Though participation was mandatory, there was an age cutoff of 20. Shy by just three years, he was unable to compete. Furious, he was forced to sit on the sidelines and watch the combatants face each other. He knew their moves before they made them, for he had fought each many times before. He groaned during the final battle, knowing he would have soundly beat either of the combatants. The winning dwarf, Ivan Hammerhead was crowned the most able warrior in the citadel. This only made Dorgen more furious, since he had defeated Ivan several times in combat already. After the victory ceremony, Dorgen marched up to Ivan and challenged him to a battle. The older dwarf laughed in his face and declined. He claimed that Dorgen had no right to challenge him, since he was only a lowly young dwarf with no accomplishments. With a curt nod, Dorgen turned and left the citadel. He will seek out challenges in the wider world and make a name for himself. Only then, with his victories and accomplishments, will he return to the citadel to challenge Ivan and defeat him once and for all.